- What concept that we have already discussed does “faction” remind you of?
Faction reminds me of the lesson we had on what is an ideology. The faction is similar to the conversation of liberals and conservatives. In the reading it talks about the views of the two groups of people. This is displayed in the reading when it states “who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community.”
- According to Federalist #10 (written by James Madison), what is the source of wealth (private property)? What factor explains why some people get to possess wealth by owning private property, and others don’t (thus remaining poor)? This is a key question, because it shows how the authors of the Constitution thought about the difference between different classes of Americans! HINT: focus on the passage that begins: “The diversity in the faculties (WHAT DOES FACULTIES mean or refer to?) of men, from which the rights of property originate, is not les….”
Well in the reading J. Madison states “Those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society. Those who are creditors, and those who are debtors, fall under a like discrimination. A landed interest, a manufacturing interest, a mercantile interest, a moneyed interest, with many lesser interests, grow up of necessity in civilized nations, and divide them into different classes, actuated by different sentiments and views. The regulation of these various and interfering interests forms the principal task of modern legislation, and involves the spirit of party and faction in the necessary and ordinary operations of the government.” Which indicates people who have money and land are ones who should run legislation. He also stated, “The effect of the first difference is, on the one hand, to refine and enlarge the public views, by passing them through the medium of a chosen body of citizens, whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country, and whose patriotism and love of justice will be least likely to sacrifice it to temporary or partial considerations. Under such a regulation, it may well happen that the public voice, pronounced by the representatives of the people, will be more consonant to the public good than if pronounced by the people themselves,” which to me means a person who is wise and holds knowledge is a person who would makes the best decisions.
So overall the source of wealth is to have money, property and smartness.
- Do you agree with this explanation of wealth and poverty?
I somewhat agree with this explanation of wealth. A person who has property and money but does not have knowledge as to how to maintain it can lose it all and fall into poverty. A person who has all three possesses the knowledge to maintain wealth. Now where the somewhat agreeance comes in is that there are many smart people who does not own property or money. I guess than do we really have the knowledge needed in order to gain wealth.
- What is the core mission (“first object”) of the US government? Does this surprise you, does it sound different from what our society today seems to suggest the core mission of the government is? Explain.
Based on the reading the core mission of the government is to protect faculties. Yes this is similar to our society today. The rich gets rich and the poor stays or become poorer. There are many rules and regulations in place that help protect the rich and their property. They receive many tax breaks and are not taxed as much as the poor people. Also when it comes to placing people in government they always talk about helping poor communities but you never see a change. Instead you see gentrification and the rise in prices of the cost of living mean while people are working for a minimum rate that cannot pay the bills. The corporations makes the profit.
- Given the discussion in questions 1-4, are you surprised that Federalist #10 is not in favor of democracy, and supports a Republican (representative) form of government? Why would d the author dislike a (pure) democratic form of government? Hint: think about how this question connects with the social classes…
The author of the Federalist 10 appears to have an interest in the government being run by people that possess knowledge and has wealth and property. He believes that if the government remains republic then there is a way to keep a control on the factions. With democracy it provides all with a voice and he believes people cannot govern themselves .